Which truck is right for your needs, the 2026 Ford F-150 STX or XLT? Choosing between these light-duty pickups comes down to whether you're after sporty styling (at a great price, we might add) or enhanced comfort and convenience (which comes at a slightly higher, yet still budget-friendly price). Without further ado, let's take a side-by-side look at these F-150 trim models.
Key Takeaways
- Where the STX puts a stylish spin on an affordable work truck, the XLT improves everything from power to interior comfort!
- Although the F-150 STX can deliver up to 400 horsepower, the XLT is even stronger, generating up to 430 horses with its optional PowerBoost hybrid engine.
- When it comes to standard features, the STX is a high-tech truck. But the XLT not only delivers extra creature comforts, but it's also available with a wider range of options.
- Shop the 2026 F-150 STX starting at $41,855* -- or upgrade to the mid-level XLT trim from $44,695*.
What are the overall differences between the 2026 F-150 STX and XLT?
Both trucks add to the entry-level F-150 XL trim model with coveted upgrades. The F-150 STX keeps costs down while treating you to extra exterior styling (body-color bumpers and gloss-black wheels) and basic creature comforts (like a carpeted cabin). The F-150 XLT also puts its own spin on style (including Silver-painted aluminum wheels). Plus, this mid-grade truck delivers high-tech conveniences (exterior Zone Lighting and a 12-inch digital gauge display).
These F-150 pickups also differ slightly when it comes to body styles. There are two ways to build the F-150 STX: with the extended Super Cab and a 6.5-foot box or the SuperCrew with a 5.5-foot box. In addition to the aforementioned options, the F-150 XLT is also available with a SuperCrew cabin and a 6.5-foot box.
Which engines are available with the 2026 Ford F-150 STX and XLT?
Both trucks come standard with the same 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, pumping out 325 horses for your towing and hauling needs. The F-150 STX is also available with Ford's 5.0-liter Coyote V8 -- an upgrade we recommend if you're shopping for more power (400 hp) or greater hauling capabilities (2,235 pounds max).
Meanwhile, the mid-grade F-150 XLT is available with even more engine options. If you're after the best balance of power (430 hp) and fuel economy (23 mpg combined), you'll love the available PowerBoost hybrid. On the other hand, if you want to tow best-in-class loads of up to 13,500 pounds, go with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 (400 hp).
Performance Options
| 2026 F-150 Trim Model |
STX |
XLT |
| Standard Engine |
2.7L turbocharged V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft) |
2.7L turbocharged V6 (325 hp, 400 lb-ft) |
| Optional Engines |
5.0L V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft) |
5.0L V8 (400 hp, 410 lb-ft)3.5L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp, 500 lb-ft)3.5L PowerBoost hybrid (430 hp, 560 lb-ft) |
| Transmission |
10-speed automatic |
10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain |
Standard 4x2Optional 4x4 |
Standard 4x2Optional 4x4 |
| Tires |
All-season (4x2)All-terrain (4x4) |
All-season (4x2)All-terrain (4x4) |
| Front Suspension |
Independent |
Independent |
| Standard Axle Ratio |
3.55 non-limited slip axle ratio |
3.55 non-limited slip axle ratio |
| Optional Axle Ratio |
3.73 electronic-locking 3.55 electronic-locking3.73 electronic-locking with Tow Haul - Max Tow (SuperCrew only) |
3.73 electronic-locking3.55 electronic-locking3.31 electronic-locking3.31 non-limited slip3.15 non-limited slip3.55 electronic-locking with Tow Haul (SuperCrew only)3.73 electronic-locking with Tow Haul - Max Tow (SuperCrew only) |
| Max Payload |
2,235 lbs |
2,235 lbs |
| Max Trailer (Properly equipped) |
12,800 lbs |
13,500 lbs |
| Options |
Integrated trailer brake controller |
Integrated trailer brake controller |
What comes standard with the 2026 Ford F-150 STX vs the F-150 XLT?
In a nutshell, the F-150 STX adds to the base XL trim model with flashier exterior details and a few extra creature comforts. Meanwhile, the mid-level F-150 XLT also adds to the XL trim model -- albeit with a slightly longer list of comfort, tech and utility features. Both trucks are designed to deliver a lot of features at a great price, but the XLT ultimately gives you more to love. Check out our table below for more details!
Standard Features
| 2026 F-150 Trim Model |
STX |
XLT |
| Wheels |
18-inch Gloss Black-painted aluminum wheels |
17-inch Silver-painted aluminum wheels (4x2)18-inch painted aluminum wheels (4x4) |
| Upholstery |
Unique sport cloth |
Cloth |
| Front Seats |
Bucket seats, manual, with driver lumbar adjustments |
Bucket seats, manual, with driver lumbar adjustments and armrest |
| Entry/Start Tech |
Power door locks |
Power door locks |
| Steering Wheel |
Manual tilt/telescoping |
Manual tilt/telescoping |
| A/C |
Standard, manual adjusting |
Standard, manual adjusting |
| Driver Information Display |
4-inch cluster display |
12-inch cluster display |
| Infotainment |
SYNC 4 with 12-inch touchscreenApple CarPlay and Android Auto |
SYNC 4 with 12-inch touchscreenApple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Audio |
Six speakers |
Six speakers |
| Headlamps/Tail Lamps |
LED reflector headlamps |
LED reflector headlamps |
| Liftgate |
Power-locking, manual open and shut |
Power-locking, manual open and shut |
| Fog Lamps |
Optional |
LED fog lamps |
| Safety Tech |
Blind Spot AssistLane-Keeping SystemIntersection AssistForward Collision AlertAutomatic Emergency BrakingRear Parking SensorsRearview camera |
Blind Spot AssistLane-Keeping SystemIntersection AssistForward Collision AlertAutomatic Emergency BrakingRear Parking SensorsRearview camera |
| Exterior Styling |
Black and Dark Gray grilleBody-color bumpersBlack fender ventRear privacy glass |
Body-color bumpersBlack door handlesRear privacy glass |
| Extra Features |
Exterior Zone LightingRear window defrosterClass IV Trailer Hitch |
Exterior Zone LightingRear window defrosterClass IV Trailer Hitch |
| Options |
LED fog lightsPro Power OnboardLobo PackageTow/Haul PackageFX4 off-road package |
Heated front seatsRemote ignitionEight-speaker B&O sound systemPro Power OnboardTwin-panel moonroofPower-sliding rear windowTow/Haul PackageFX4 off-road package |
Which comes at a lower price, the 2026 Ford F-150 STX or XLT?
The F-150 STX (starting at $41,855*) provides the best deal on a stylish work truck, but the F-150 XLT (from $44,695*) gives you more to love without raising the price all that much. No matter which of these full-size trucks you prefer, though, we recommend ordering yours at your local Ford dealer! At Brighton Ford, our experienced team will help you build an F-150 that not only suits your budget, but also handles your rugged workday with ease!
*MSRP as of 1/18/26. Subject to change.